Michael Bessler

Mike Bessler's passion is to create enhanced photographs on canvas that will capture the awe of nature. He particularly enjoys creating and printing large images that combine his artistic vision and his technical expertise.

His work is shown at the Oakbrook Fine Art Invitational each year where he received a Best of Show award. Some of his images can also be seen at, and at the Plainfield Art League Gallery in Plainfield Illinois, Edward Hospitals in Plainfield and Naperville, Illimois, and the Carriage Trade Art Gallery in Long Grove Illinois. His work has been sold nation-wide to both private consumers and corporations.

Mike has donated generously to various charities including the Starlight - Starbright Foundation, the Jennifer S. Fallick Cancer Support Center, Edward Hospital Healing Arts program in Naperville Illinois, the Naperville Cultural Center, and most recently the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Mike enjoys sharing his passion with others as he teaches photography workshops at Starved Rock State Park each year. Mike also gives private lessons on most photography subjects. Often times, someone acquires a new piece of equipment, and Mike can show you how to get the most out of it.

You can see more of Mike's images at www.BesPhoto.com.



Artists Statement:

Years ago, I traveled with my family to the Grand Canyon. The view was awe-inspiring. I shot rolls of film expecting to capture the majesty of the sight. Many will relate to my disappointment when I had the photographs developed – the awe was just not there. That is when I resolved to learn how to bring home the awe!

As I developed my photography skills, I began to experiment with enhancing my photographs to capture what I had felt. At first, I looked exclusively for realism enhancing colors when the photograph seemed to have muted them, for instance. More recently, I have enjoyed creating impressionistic renderings of my images that give me the feel of the original scene.

The final step was to learn the technical skills to print my own images allowing me to print exactly what I wanted to see.

Now, my images are mine from the first look through the viewfinder of my camera, through the enhancing process and finally the printing of my images. Now I am feeling the awe!

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